QUESTION TIME
What types of meetings, events, incentives, confer- ences, exhibition space etc will you be organising on behalf of your company this year? The second half of 2011 will see me organise a vari- ety of SAP-driven events and third-party sponsor- ships tailored at a country level across the region in a bid to support market demand around key industries and business solutions. Initiatives include exclusive C-level meetings, round table discussions, roadshows and exhibitions catering to a wide audi- ence spectrum, attracting both existing custom- ers and new prospects. A list of upcoming events are listed online:
www.facebook.com/sapmena or
www.sap.com/mena/about/events/index.epx
How does this activity compare to last year? I only joined SAP in February 2011, but I would have to say focus has not been on the quantity but rather the quality of the events to ensure we deliver real value to our audience and support tangible ROI.
How have your budgets and/or budget policies for such activities changed compared to last year? We haven’t compromised on our standards. We have maintained the same levels in terms of venues, facilities and activities that we offer to our audience.
What are the key determining factors when you are choosing a venue? Location is a primary factor plus quality of food, easy access to the venue, infrastructure, technical and overall service level support and, of course, competitive price offers.
What are the key determining factors when you are choosing a destination? The safety of our customers, partners and employees is, of course, always our first priority when choosing a destination, followed by the ease and conveni- ence of travel.
What are the main challenges you face in your role as a meetings planner? The UAE has a variety of top-quality venues from which to choose. Unfortunately, it can be a challenge finding venues in other countries across the region because they are limited or exclusive venues, result- ing in uncompetitive rates.
What challenges do you have in dealing with suppliers to the industry? There are limitations to the range and capability of suppliers in some of the countries in the MENA region and this means quality can be compromised.
Are you a member of any trade associations? I have not partnered with one trade association in particular but have attended a variety of events, conferences/seminars and networking opportuni- ties in the region.
What trade shows do you attend? We prefer to do our own research, review supplier track records and then meet them in person to best evaluate engagement.
VENUE MENU
D’Mello’s key considerations when choosing a venue
Location
Quality of food Ease of access
Supporting infrastructure Technical support Service standards Competitive pricing
Do you feel part of the ‘meetings industry’ in the Middle East ? Definitely; with the advent of social media growing rapidly in the industry, there is further ease in con- necting with peers and taking part in discussions, exchanging information and networking.
What does the UAE need to do in order to boost its meetings industry infrastructure? The UAE has set the stage in providing amazing venues, service and security levels and the best qual- ity assurance to support any type of event in the region. My highest regards to the UAE’s continued support to the industry by ensuring that infrastruc- ture meets growing demands.
How important is the incorporation of technology when you organise events? Technology is essential to delivering content in the most impactful manner and to showcase the latest innovative applications. The key to success is to ensure the flawless
execution of any technology application to support an event, whether it is aiding the actual execution of the event, or helping to present interactive tech- nical demonstrations. Having worked in the technology sector over
the last three years, I have seen how iPhones, iPads and Blackberries can demonstrate the real-time use of the latest innovative technology applications and have the most compelling impact on the audience.
The safety of our customers, partners and employees is our first priority when choosing a destination, followed by the ease and convenience of travel
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